NRL Las Vegas invitations to Donald Trump, Dana White prompt backlash from White Ribbon Australia

The Australian National Rugby League (NRL) is about to kick off its new season in Las Vegas, but an invitation extended to Donald Trump and Dana White has sparked strong opposition, leading White Ribbon Australia to announce its disaffiliation with the league. This move highlights the potential conflicts between promoting sporting events and upholding social values.

Australian Rugby League Commission Chairman Peter V'landys publicly invited the former US President to attend the two games this weekend, displaying a game ball with "TRUMP" printed on it during an appearance on the American television program "Fox & Friends." V'landys stated his desire to introduce Mr. Trump to "the toughest sport on earth – rugby league," emphasizing the intensity of the game.

The Canberra Raiders had also proposed inviting UFC President and Trump supporter Dana White to sound the team's traditional horn and lead fans in a Viking clap before their season-opening game against the Warriors on Sunday. However, White Ribbon Australia, a domestic violence organization, deemed the public overtures to these two figures as "inappropriate" and has written to the NRL expressing its concerns.

White Ribbon Australia raised concerns about the character of Trump and White in its letter. Trump was found liable for sexually abusing E. Jean Carroll in a 2023 civil case, while White was filmed in a physical altercation with his wife at a nightclub two years ago. Although White was not charged in connection with the incident, White Ribbon Australia believes that fans "deserve better" and has requested the NRL remove any mention of its historical partnership with the organization from its website.

The "Wellbeing and Education" section of the NRL website had featured a "Respectful Relationships" theme, stating its "support for White Ribbon Australia" and its involvement in "national media campaigns and education and male leadership programs for men and boys in Australia." However, following White Ribbon Australia's statement, the NRL removed the relevant content late Wednesday. White Ribbon Australia CEO Melinda March stated that the NRL's decision was "deeply inconsistent with our values, and lacks integrity and respect."